Unearth a Story this Summer with SciStarter and the Collaborative Summer Library Program
Originally Aired
February 4, 2026
Audience
Libraries
Topic
Citizen science in summer programming, connections to America 250
Watch the Webinar
DESCRIPTION
SciStarter and the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) teamed up to explore how libraries can bring citizen science into the Unearth a Story 2026 summer reading program. In this webinar, participants learned about engaging, hands-on science activities from real research projects that spark curiosity and empower communities to contribute to scientific discovery while connecting to CSLP’s 2026 theme of exploration and discovery.
SciStarter is featured in the 2026 Summer Reading Catalogue. During the session, we shared practical ideas, resources, and tips to help libraries add a STEM edge to these topics through citizen science, making summer programming both fun and meaningful. Learn more at https://SciStarter.org/go/Library-Summer-Reading.
Access the 2026 Summer Reading Catalogue, presented by CSLP here. SciStarter programs are featured in Chapter 2 pg. 72, Chapter 6 pg. 250, and Chapter 7 pgs. 276-277.
The access code for the catalogue is only available to CSLP Members. If you are a public library in a member state and do not know your access code, please contact your CSLP State Rep. If you are not in a member state and would like to purchase the 2026 Unearth a Storytm online manual, please visit our CSLP Store.
Moderated By
Emma Giles
SciStarter
Amanda Raiche
Collaborative Summer Library Program
Downloadable Files
Featured Projects
GLOBE Observer: Land Cover
Take photos of the land around you and note what you see—trees, grass, buildings, and more. Match your observations with satellite images and share what you know about how the land has changed over time. Your contributions help scientists create better global land cover maps.
Anytime
Anywhere
Land, environmental monitoring, NASA
Soil Testing USA
This project empowers individuals and communities to learn how to collect soil samples and test them for environmental contaminants, soil health, and nutrient content using CSCR’s EnviroBucket toolkit and resources. Participants can interpret results, share findings, and use the data to advocate for healthier environments and gardens in their local areas.
Anytime
Anywhere
Soil, environmental monitoring, lab testing
Acts of Science for America 250
Become a naturalist like Thomas Jefferson with iNaturalist and The Great Sunflower Project.
Monitor the weather like Benjamin Franklin with CoCoRaHS. Look to the night sky to search for comets and other celestial objects like Maria Mitchell, the first female astronomy professor in the United States. Transcribe American history with the Smithsonian Institution.
Anytime
Anywhere
Weather, nature, space, history
Acts of Science: Connected, SciStarter’s signature series for Citizen Science Month 2026
Use these turnkey events to jumpstart your citizen science participation. Host a gathering and stream a live Zoom program with SciStarter and a project scientist, bringing people together to explore Mars, preserve history, track animals, play science-powered games, and spot comets in real time.
SciStarter makes it easy with ready-to-use event guides and promotional tools, plus a limited number of $500 grants to help support in-person events.
April
Anywhere
Space, historical transcription, medicine